Archive By Section - HOME SCENE
Ore. nursery, grass business greening up
CARLTON, Ore. (AP) - After getting trampled in the Great Recession, Oregon farmers who produce nursery crops and grass seed finally are seeing better days.
Freddie asks for $19M in aid after loss
WASHINGTON (AP) - Government-controlled mortgage giant Freddie Mac is requesting $19 million in additional federal aid after posting a loss for the first quarter of this year.
Manteca Garden Tour set for May 12
Six of some of the best private gardens in the area will be showcased in the 2012 Manteca Garden Tour sponsored by the Manteca Garden Club.
Do-it-yourself deck-building tips
Looking for a way to enhance the use and enjoyment of your outdoor space? A deck addition may be the solution. A deck creates a designated area for entertaining and relaxing outdoors, while increasing homeowner satisfaction and home value. If you're a motivated do-it-yourselfer, building your own deck can be a fun and rewarding challenge that saves you money and ensures your outdoor space is tailored to suit you and your home.
Construction spending barely increased in March
WASHINGTON (AP) - U.S. builders barely increased their spending on construction projects in March after two straight months of declines. A pickup in single-family home construction and commercial projects offset a steep drop in state and local government building.
Rate on 30-year mortgage hits record low of 3.84 percent, 15 years at 3.11%
WASHINGTON (AP) - Average U.S. rates for 30-year and 15-year fixed mortgages fell to fresh record lows this week, offering more incentive for Americans to buy or refinance homes.
Creating a mortgage for your relatives
Q: I want to lend my daughter and son-in-law money by making a $200,000 mortgage loan to them. How do I do this to make it legal, so I can pay taxes on the income and they can get a tax deduction on the interest and I can earn more than I would on a bank CD?
Rent may be free, but taxes and maintenance are not
DEAR BENNY: My cousin and disabled elderly aunt are living in a house that my aunt sold about four years ago in which the agreement included lifetime living rights without the stipulation of rent payment or payment for taxes. Does the owner have the right to demand rental payments now? Is there a website that I might be able to check to find out more information for them? --Patti
Enjoying the view enjoy from your home
With temperatures on the rise, it's time to get outside to relax with family and friends. Today's homeowners want their outdoor spaces to be an extension of their homes, with 80 percent saying a patio or front porch are "must haves," according to a survey of residential architects by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).
Two-bedroom homes show signs of being on road to recovery
It was one of those conversations that tend to stick with you.
US new-home sales off 7 percent in March
WASHINGTON (AP) - Sales of new homes fell in March by the largest amount in more than a year, indicating that the U.S. housing market remains under strain despite some modest signs of improvement.
Contracts for homes rose last month
WASHINGTON (AP) - An index that tracks the number of signed contracts to buy U.S. homes rose to its highest level in nearly two years last month, the latest sign the battered housing market is slowly improving.
Rate on 30-year mortgage dips to 3.88 percent
WASHINGTON (AP) - The average rate on the 30-year fixed mortgage has dipped to near its record low, keeping home-buying and refinancing affordable.
Up in smoke: Don't let a grilling mishap ruin your summer cookout
What starts out as a fun summer evening with a few friends can quickly become a reminder that not paying attention while grilling can be dangerous.
Foreclosures squeezing US home prices and sales
WASHINGTON (AP) - Rising foreclosures are weighing on the U.S. housing market, reducing prices and keeping new-home sales weak.
Articles by Section - HOME SCENE
MetLife pays $123.5M in settlement
NEW YORK (AP) - MetLife's home lending unit will pay $123.5 million to end an investigation into allegations it gave government-backed mortgages to people who didn't meet federal requirements.
Ideas to easily enhance, organize master closets
So, you've decided to make some updates to your home? Whether you plan on building a home from the ground up, purchasing new construction or adding value to your current residence, there are many opportunities for upgrades.
Get inspired by outdoor living ideas for your home
Inspired by neighbors, home improvement shows and social media channels like Pinterest and Houzz, today's homeowners are entering the deck planning and building process more informed than ever before. But sorting through this wealth of information and inspiration can make it hard to decipher what's really hot for today's outdoor spaces – and to choose what's right for your home.
CEILINGS
Want to infuse your home with architectural interest? Start at the top.
Signed contracts rise to 18-month high
WASHINGTON (AP) - The number of Americans signing contracts to buy homes rose at a healthy pace in January, a sign that home sales are poised to accelerate after a slow start to the year.
Rate on 30-year mortgage rises to 3.8%
WASHINGTON (AP) - Average long-term U.S. mortgage rates have edged up for a third straight week while remaining near their historically low levels reached in May 2013.
New home sales fall slightly during January
WASHINGTON (AP) - Sales of new U.S. homes were basically flat in January, evidence that recent job gains and relatively low mortgage rates have yet to spur the real estate market.
Add a signature style to your home
To satisfy homeowners seeking to add a signature style to their indoor living spaces, more and more design professionals and builders are going back to basics and rediscovering the versatility, durability and good looks of cypress.
Home sales plunge 4.9 percent in January
WASHINGTON (AP) - U.S. home sales struck a snow drift in January, plunging to the slowest pace in nine months.
Energy guzzlers greener
For the first time in six years, Energy Star certification, a standard seal of approval for energy efficiency, has been expanded to include another major household appliance.
Tips for replacing water heaters
Some 37 million residential water heaters gave up the ghost and were replaced over the past five years, according to estimates by the U.S. Department of Energy. While some things get better with age, water heaters aren't among them. In fact, the average life expectancy for a new water heater is 10 to 15 years, with the occasional stoic dinosaur making it two decades or more.
A stunning backsplash without the whiplash
The kitchen is the heart of the home and a top-selling feature with homebuyers. Does yours convey style and functionality? Whether you've just completed a remodel or you're looking for ways to upgrade your existing kitchen, a tile backsplash will instantly transform the space into an eye-catching masterpiece.
6 steps to select best remodeling contractor
A remodeling project is one of the most invigorating lifestyle changes a homeowner can make. However, trusting a contractor with both your home and your money can feel overwhelming. Spare your time, money and sanity by following these steps for choosing the best remodeling contractor:
Central Valley group names Realtors, Affiliate of the Year
Every year the Central Valley Association of Realtors recognizes members who have gone above and beyond in the real estate profession and community service. This year CVAR named two recipients as Realtor of the Year - Shelly Bell and Larry Rumbeck - and as Affiliate of the Year, the honor goes to Taylor Phillips.
Rate on 30-year loans rises to 3.76%
WASHINGTON (AP) - Average long-term U.S. mortgage rates have risen for a second straight week yet remained near historically low levels.
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